| 主权项 |
1. A method of repairing damage, localized in a damage zone, in a shaped thermoplastic sheet component, the component having an undamaged shape, the component having opposing surfaces, the damage zone comprising only a portion of the component, the damage zone having an extent and a center, the method comprising:
fabricating opposing die portions, each having forming surfaces complementary in shape to a portion of one of the opposing surfaces of the component in its undamaged shape, the forming surfaces being adapted for centering on the damage zone center, the forming surfaces extending outwardly beyond the extent of the damage zone, the die portions comprising a magnetic system comprising a first and a second magnetic element, the magnetic elements being adapted to develop an attractive magnetic force between the elements, the magnetic elements being so positioned that the magnetic force urges the die portions together; placing the die portions on the opposing component surfaces and using the magnetic elements to urge the forming surfaces of the die portions into forcible engagement with the surfaces of the component by application of the magnetic force, the force applying pressure to the component surfaces sufficient to reshape the component to substantially its undamaged shape; selectively heating the thermoplastic sheet at the damage zone to a temperature sufficient to soften and/or melt the thermoplastic, the sheet being heated either directly, or by contact with at least one heated die portion; maintaining the heated component at about its softening/melting temperature for a time sufficient to heal the damage in the damage zone; and, discontinuing heating while maintaining pressure on the component until the component cools sufficiently to maintain its shape. |
